“Maybe I give off a little ammonia, but at least I don't smell like people!”

Cartoon: Baloo

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

jovial

PRONUNCIATION:

(JOH-vee-uhl)

MEANING:

adjective: Cheerful; good-humored.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin jovialis (of Jupiter), from Jov- (Jupiter). The word Jupiter
is from Latin Jovis pater (father Jove). The planet Jupiter is named after
the Roman god Jupiter and those born under the influence of this planet were
supposed to be good-humored. Ultimately from the Indo-European root dyeu-
(to shine) that is also the source of diva, divine, Jupiter, Jove, July,
Zeus, and Sanskrit deva (god). Earliest documented use: 1590.